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I have heard the same harsh comments as many people have...just cut back, exercise, diet, drink more water, eat more veggies...you name it, and I have probably heard it. I didn't choose to be overweight, it just seemed to creep up on me slowly and before I knew it, I weighed 300 pounds...from having kids, from not being active, from being a good cook, from marrying into an Italian family. I had WLS after my husband said to me that he was concerned about me and my health, and that he wanted me to be around so we could enjoy retirement together. He didn't want me to sleep all day and not be able to go for a walk, and mostly he could see how I was depressed from my weight. He is my biggest supporter, and he didn't care how much it would cost, just "get it done". So, after years of yoyo dieting, trying every fad diet in the land, I was banded and I have to say it is the best money I have ever spent. I do not regret it for one moment because you see, I am a food-aholic...just like an alcoholic, but with food. I was not able to help myself. Now, I have learned healthy eating habits and choose the foods that appeal to me. I no longer crave the chips, chocolates, ice cream, cake, cookies, popcorn that used to rule my life. Now when I get a hankering for something to eat, my thoughts turn to protein, veggies and fruit. But I know this would not have been possible without my band. My band is a reminder to me each and every day of the new me, and I am going to be on this wonderful journey forever. So, when someone gives you a bunch of grief because you have decided or did have WLS, tell them to walk a mile in your shoes, and tell them to be sure to climb those stairs 2 or 3 times a day, and then tell them it is not a crime to want something better for yourself, to want to be around to see your kids or grand kids get married, to see them graduate. My bi-weekly trips to my dr's office are fantastic. I get excited to get on the scale and see that it has moved backwards, closer to a new me. The dr is proud of me too, and I can tell you, that goes a long way in my book of "good feelings". So if you are contemplating WLS, I say B-R-A-V-O. YOU GO AN 'GET'ER DONE'. You will probably find the road a little bumpy at times, but so worth it. I LOVE MY BAND Zil Banded 8/19/2011, starting weight, 299, weight loss to date 76#s, and another 65 to go...hoping to make it by 11/1/2012. Oh, BTW, it did take me 5 months to get into the green zone and that was with fills every 2 weeks.

I put off getting my first fill for a long time because I was doing well and didn't think I needed it. Well I finally broke down and got it. In the 2.5 weeks it took me to get in after I made the appt I fell off the wagon and gained a few pounds. I finally got it last Thursday, and I already know one will not be enough. How long do you guys wait bewteen fills??

Thank you so much for posting this. I am having discomfort, so now I will see my surgeon tomorrow! Thanks for sharing!

I actually eat Lean Cuisine, Smart Ones, or Healthy Choice. They're the perfect portion for us bandsters. I'm having one tonight for dinner even.

oh yea girl i got banded 1/12 and i cant wait to get a fill i am eating just like before so u arent alone. bandster hell apparently. sucks big time. good luck girl and hang in til u get ur fills

Some days I just couldn't get them all down as well. It works out. I also struggled to get in all the protein and fluid after surgery. Now I am one month out and its fine. Just hang in there and do the best you can.

I 100% can relate. I literally minutes ago told my husband my emotions are everywhere. I'm on day 3 and have a headache and slight nausea the whole time. I cant believe food had that big of hold on me...now its just pissed and doing what it can to make me shove food in. We can do this!!! We have to push through it, we are in it till the end. Good luck!

my goal is to be a healthy woman without 100 lbs of extra weight!

I always weigh first thing after I pee in the morning. My scale and my doctors scale is exactly 2lbs different. I would stick to the same scales and weigh only before you have eaten or drank anything. There are days where I have gotten on the scale thinking how in the world did I gain 4lbs today? Then I remember that I ate dinner and then worked out and drank a couple bottles of water. The next morning I'm back to normal and hopefully a little lighter. Good luck on your journey!!

I had a time right after surgery where I cried. For me I went through a period of "mourning" for the food I wasn't going to be able to eat anymore and having regrets about what I did. My doctor did warn me that it might happen. It went away once I got the hang of how I'm supposed to eat AND the weight started coming off. It does get better!